CDC Mask Guidelines are Based on ‘Incomplete Data,’ Nurses Union Says
New mask guidelines issued last week by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) are based on incomplete data and dangerous assumptions, National Nurses United (NNU) said in a press conference Wednesday.
Pediatric Telemedicine Gains Traction During Pandemic
One in five parents responding in a just-released C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health say their child had a virtual health visit over the past year for either check-ups, minor illnesses, mental health or a follow up – a marked increase in remote care for children.
Effective Communication: Foundation for Nurse Safety
By Vocera Communications Over the past year, as we’ve all seen how nurses impact the health and healing of our world, we’ve also seen them embrace the mantra “Never Again” and leave the profession at unprecedented rate. The need for change is clear. We must heed the call from all corners to listen to, support, … Continued
Don’t Change Policies Yet on Masking Inside Your Facility
The CDC’s recent new guidance to the general public that fully vaccinated people do not have to wear masks indoors does not apply to healthcare settings, warns the American Hospital Association (AHA).
Clean Hands, Clear Communication: How Nurse Leaders Ushered in Hand Hygiene Tech Tools
Initiating culture change that comes with new technology—even one as small as hand sanitizing—requires engagement and buy-in by nurse leaders, Cox says. Leaders need to be fully engaged in and believe in the project in order to fully support it. It also requires clear communication.
National Nurses Week Resources From PSQH
As National Nurses Week wraps up, we want to salute the valuable and courageous work done by nurses at all levels of care. We highlighted the efforts of nurses this week and will continue to do so.
Nurses Key to Achieving Health Equity Over Next Decade
By 2022, all state and federal policy changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that expanded scope of practice should be made permanent, along with telehealth eligibility, insurance coverage, and equal payment for services provided by nurses, says The Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.
PSQH Quick Poll: Nursing’s Impact on Patient Safety and Quality
As part of National Nurses Week, PSQH reached out to our readers with a few questions about how nursing impacts patient safety and healthcare quality.
Use of Evidence-Based Practice in Administration of Intravenous Push Medications
IV Push medications can be particularly dangerous given their immediate bioavailability, the narrow therapeutic dose range, and the difficulty in reversing systemic effects after IV administration (ISMP, 2015). The use of evidence-based practice is especially important in IVP administration because of the potential for harm.
New CMS Vaccines Rule Soon May Apply to More Facilities
The changes to the Conditions of Participation (CoP) for those facilities primarily require vaccines to be offered to residents, clients, and staff when available. They also set education and CDC reporting requirements. While the rule covers only those two types of facilities so far, CMS notes in the rule it may want to expand those requirements to other healthcare organizations, including psychiatric hospitals and inpatient hospice facilities.